Marin Readers' Forum for Jan. 5

My black lab Moxie and I were two of the first visitors on New Year's Day.

There is only one thing missing: doggie bags and a trash can at the entrance to the beach.

Bravo to all dog owners who carry baggies and pick up the poop, but please, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, make it easier to be a responsible dog owner and keep the beach pristine.

Fran Rondeau, Corte Madera

Regional quota for rain?

It has been pointed out that Marin cannot provide unlimited housing without having an unlimited water supply.

Not to worry about our record drought. Our overlords at Plan Bay Area can, at their next meeting, simply rule that Marin must provide more rain.

Bob Koch, Novato

Our 'moral obligation'

Big Tobacco has long been luring those in undeveloped countries into nicotine addiction with provocative advertising.

Anti-smoking successes in first world nations have now caused them to expand their smoking promotion in the third world.

Many undeveloped nations are now waging anti smoking campaigns.

Big Tobacco is countering with economic clout and abusive trade agreements to coerce these countries, who cannot finance the costly counter litigation, away from anti-smoking efforts.

Our closed-door negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership, which resume in this month, pose major concerns.

Congress may commit to a fast track agreement for this cooperate friendly trade pact which would enable passage of its provisions with limited review or oversight.

One of several dangerous inclusions would enable corporations to challenge any local laws or statutes that could affect their profit — this would include anti-smoking campaigns.

Since Big Tobacco and its advertisers are mainly U.S. companies, Americans have a moral obligation to curtail their promotions of this lethal addiction.

Robert Settgast, San Rafael

Thanks for helping hands

Walking back to my car after enjoying the movie "Frozen" at the Lark Theater, my friend Connie tripped on the buckled pavement close to the Left Bank. She fell, banging her nose and skinning her hands and knees.

With her nose bleeding badly and me trying to help her, as well as looking after my little friends — Annie, 8, and Nick, 6 — two other movie-goers immediately offered assistance, providing fresh tissues, helping get Connie seated outside the restaurant and calling the Larkspur Fire Department.

I later found out their names were Doris and Nancy. Thank you both so much.

I'd also like to thank the staff and patrons of the Left Bank who came out to provide warm blankets, soothing words and further help if needed as we waited for the firefighters and police to arrive.

Even though we were partially blocking their entrance, they didn't ask us to move, which was very understanding as there was a constant stream of guests arriving for a New Year's Eve event.

Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank police Officer Chuck Lovenguth and the great crew from the Larkspur Fire Department (sorry I didn't get their names) who calmly put Connie back together again.

Thank you all for you acts of kindness on the last day of 2013 and I hope you all enjoy a very happy 2014.